Striping mechanism for knitting machines



STRIPING MECHANISM FOR` KNITTING MACHINES K, HOWIE. ET AL STRIPINGMECHANISM FOR -KNITTING MACHINES Feb. l0` 1925..

Filed Nov:

'26, 1920 4 sheets-sheet n Le Uehofrs: Jf'en Teeth. Jl/owl'efgi Feb. 10.1925. 1,525,609

K. HOWIE ET AL l STRIPING MECHANISM'FOR K NITTING MACHINES,

Fil NOV: 26, 3,920 4 sheets-*Sheet 4 Wzllz'azn 0. Tutylor, l 9%@ YMQWMVMPatented eb. 10, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

KENNETH HOWIE, or NonnIs'roWN. 'AND WILLraM o. TAxLon, on LIMERIGK,:PENN- SYLVANIA, AssIGNons To WILDMAN MFG. coi., or NoRnIs'rovqN,PENNSYLVANIA,

# A CORPORATION F PENNSYLVANIA.

STRIPING MCHANISM FOR KNITTING MACHINES.

Ap'pncatioamed November es, 1920. semi No. 426,564.

@"0 all whom t mayconcera: v

Be it known that we, KENNETH I-IoWI and WILLIAM O. TAYLOR, citizens ofthe United States, and residents of Norristown, Pennsylvania, andLimerick, Pennsylvania, respectively, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Striping Mechanism for Knitting Machines, ofwhich the` following is Ia specification.

In carrying out Athe inventiomwhile the control .of the changes in the`feed of the yarns` is initiated by electro-magnetic means, the poweremployed in effecting the changes is transmitted mechanically from theline shaft, or other source of power, and

preferably through a rotating part of the machine. Therefore, the workimposed upon the electro-magnetic means is compar y atively slight, andthe time during which .0 the electro-magnetic means is performing itsworkat each change of the yarn'fee'd is of short. duration.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side'view of a part -of a knitting machinewith our invention applied thereto. I

Fig. '2 is a vplan View in` thenature of a diagram of the electric-jacuard or pattern Vmechanism and the means or operating the same from apart of the knitting machine. Fig. 3 is a plan View of part of aknitting machine with a part of the invention in place. f A Fig. 4 is .adetail plan view @of a star wheel and cam device and'the arm and rodoperated thereby.

Fig. 5 is .a vertical sectional view through a part `of the`con-trolling:mechanism Fig. f6 is :a l.detail'view yof :a cam.

Fig. .7 `is a Idetail view. Fig. v8 is 7a diagrammatic plan view. of thefeed finger, presser -cam and associated parts. In these drawings 1represents a part of the head of a knitting machine, this beingsupported'from .a .base 2 by frame parts 3, only 'one of which Aisshown, Vthe machine 'being of that typejin which 'the cam ring is fixedthe needle carrier rotates. At 4 is indicatedthe revolving '.taikeaipring, the takenip being omitted., as this forms no part of the presentinvention.

The invention is :shown in connection with a .spring needle machine olfthe type disclosed in application for Letters Patent 'of the UnitedStates, filed Sept. 9, 1920, S.

#409,265, though it will be understood that the invention is not'limited to this type of machine. l l

There may 'be any desiredV number of feeds. The machine shown has eightfeeds.

.The yarn fingers, one of which is shown at 5, .are pivotally mounted.The immediate actuating mechanism for these yarn lingers may be the sameas that described 'in thev said application involving a cam denotedgenerally at 6, operated by a star wheel f7, which is shifted todifferent horizontal planes by'a vertical shaft or stem 8 so that thearms of the star wheel will be located either in or out of the path oftheA dogs 9, 10, travelling with the rotary knitting head. W'hen thedogs operate the star wheel step bystep, for .one-half revolution,y I'

the yarn feed finger will be shifted in or out bythe cam controlling-theshaft 11 of the yarn feed finger by a slide 12 and aA toothed collar 13,va-s in the`application referred to. The vertical stem or shaft of the'star wheel is depressed to vary the height of the' star `wheel by abell crank lever 14 pivoted to a bracket l'fixed to the stationary camring 16 of the knitting-head. A spring such as disclosed at l22 of ourprevious application raises the .star wheel with its shaft.

This bell crank lever is operated by a rod 17 reaching'in towardsthe.vertical axis of the knitting head.

.It is .guided yat-its inner end in a part of I a track ring 18, heldagainst rotation by a post '1.9 to which it is secured by a screw. Thispost 119 is'at the axial center of the ki'iittingfhead, and it dependsfrom va braclnat 21 Iof the knitting head.V In an leight feed machinethere will be `eight of these rods,

energized, its armature will be pulled up and it will be arrested insubstantially a horizontal positiondby coming jagainst the head of astud or pin 26.. Its tooth or or 2O extending up from the 'fixed baseprojection 27 will then lie in the same horizontal plane with the toothof a star wheel 28 and in position to engage said tooth and give thestar `wheel a quarter turn as a result of the movement of theoscillating ring carrying the armature with it n its stroke in the arrowdirection Fig. 3.

The turning of the star wheel, which is mounted by its shaft 29 in. thefixed plate or bracket 18, will tur'n a cam 30 mounted-` on` the lowerend of the said shaft. This cam bears upon a pin 31 carried by an arm 32pivoted at 33 to the underside of the plate 18. rlhe end of the arm hasa stud 33 adapted to bear on the end of the rod 17 and control theposition thereof, so that when the high part 30 of thecam presses uponthe pin the arm 32 will be turned to move the rod 17 radially outward tocause the bell crank lever 14 to depress the eenter stern 8 of theimmediate controlling mechan-ism of the yarn feed finger. will effect achange at this particular feed finger, and the parts will remain in thisposition until the next change is to be'made, when the star wheel 28 atthe central controlling'mechanism will be given another quarter turn,thus turningthe cam to carry its high part 30' away from the pin 31 andbringing its low part 30 opposite the pin, which immediately moves intothis low part under the pressure ofthe spring 34 and this willcause theprojection 33 to recede from the end of the rod17 and allow said rod t-orecede under pressure of. the spring which lifts the center stem 8 ofthe star wheel 7, so that this star wheel will be lifted with the resultthatthe position of the yarn feed finger will be changed by thevtravelling dogs 9, 10, operating upon the arms thereof, which have'been brought into their plane of travel. The cam 30 has de pressions ornotches at its high and low parts and thepin 31 of the pivoted arm 32falls into these notches and thus acts as a detent to preventthe camfrom over."-

'throwing, the said arm as before stated being under pressure of thespring 34.

It will be seen that the step by step movementv of the cam 30 operatesthe arm 32 to push the rod 17 radially outward or allows the arm to beretracted by its spring to allow the said rod to move radially towardsthe center of the machine and at all ltimes the armacts to hold the 'camagainst overthrow.

One oscillation or back and forth movement of the ring 22`takes place ateach revolution of the knitting head and therefore' all of,the armaturesperform a. back and forth movement laterally in a horizontal Vplane foreach revolution of themachine, and if any armature be raised by itsmagnet, the companion sta-r wheel 28 will be operated one' step by thetooth of This n annabee the armature contacting therewith. -The ring 22is oscillated by a rod 3G connected .with a pin 37 depending from theoscillating ring through a slot 38 in the fixed bracket or track ring18. The other eind. of the rod is connected with an arm 39 fixed on avertical rock shaft 40 suitablt joui-nailed in fixed frameparts'andhaying an arm 41 fixed thereto at its lower end and extendingunder the take-up ring to be operated by a cam 42 secured by posts 43 tothe under side of the rotating take-up ring 4. The oscillation 'of' thering 22 is comparatively short. are supported by and depend from a plate44'secured to the center post before described and the`electric circuitconnections `magnets in any prescribed order to make the patterm'ajacquard mechanism is employed, consisting of an endless band of Theelectro-magnetsV paper 47, or other nonecgnducting material providedwith openings 48 disposed accordingto the pattcrnto be formed, it beingunderstood that one or more vfeeds will have one color of yarn andanother feed or feeds will 'have another color of yarn, or more colorsthan two mayfbe employed. The openings in the paper band, are arrangedin transverse lines. Some lines may have one opening and other lines twoor more openings. The paper band is hung on a drum 49 having a surfaceof conducting material, such as brass. and the paper is fed by teeth 50on the drum,4 engaging openings near the margins of the paper band.Overlying the drum are a series of contact fingers 51 of brass, and inthe present eight feed machine there are eight vof these contactfingers.' Each has a stud or contact point adapted to pass through theopen-.

ings in the paper band to make electric contactl with the brass surfaceof the drum, and it will be clear` that eachcontact finger cooperateswith vone lengthwise row of openings in the band.

The drum is in circuit by the binding post 52. and contact spring-53,Fig. 1. The

whole series of contact fingers or strips 51A frame at 58 and having itslower end in the path of a cam bar 59 secured by brackets 60 to thetake-up ring. W'hen the contact fingers are lowered, and if a hole inthe paper band has arrived in'proper position beneath the correspondingfinger, the contact point thereon will pass through the arrow Fig. 3.

the drum and a circuit will be closed through the arm and as this arm isin the circuit with one `of the magnets, this will be energized, raisingits armature, and, due

to the movement of the ring 22, this raised armature will turn the starwheel 28 and the connections before described will be'operated to changetheposition of the. yarn feed finger. The lelectro-magnetic means merelycontrol 'the armatures, and vthereafter the armature, which is inmovement, due to the motion of the oscillating ring 22, willmechanicallyoperate the connections to change the feed. The work imposed upon theelectro-magnetic means is therefore slight, while the work of operatingthe connections is performed by the power leading from the line shaft orother prin-1e mover,which rotates lthe knitting head.' As soon as themovement of the ring `22` in the arrow direction is completed, thecircuit to the electro-,magnet is broken and the armature falls so .thatit is in its low position when the ring 22 moves back to normal positionin a direction reverse from the For controlling the electric circuit finproper time `in relation to the rotation of the knitting machine, .acircuit breaker is employed, consisting ofthe contact members 61, 62,mounted on the insulating block 68 fixed to the fixed base 2 of themachine. This circuit breaker is closed by a cam 64 on the take-'upVring 3 lifting the member 61 into contact with the other member 62.This cam is lelongated and is in the form of a track or bar.

Its forward end has an lincline at '65 to ride under and lift the, lowercontact member, which is in the form of a' leaf spring,

which, when the cam passes from beneath it,-

these 'fingers is longer than the cam track 64' and reaches beyond itboth in advance -and towards the rear thereof, as a result of which thefingers 5l are lowered int-o contact withthe brass drum (according tothe disposition of the holes the paper)` before the circuit Iis closedat the contacts '61, 62

and hence there will be`no sparking at the drum when the contact.fingers 5l` are lowered, and, on the other hand, it. will be seen thatthe circuit is broken at '6l-62` before the contact lingers '51 arelliftethfrom 'the drum and here again sparking and dan age to the paperstrip will be avoided. ln other words, the current is not supplied untilafter the Contactfingers 5l have been `the slide. A range of a pin 73 onan arm 74 fixed tothe pressed down on the drum and theyare raised onlyafter the circuit is broken at The drinn 49 is rotated stepv by step bya ratchet'66 on the shaft thereof, and a pawl 67. This pawl is pivotedto a slide 68 which 1s `mounted and guided in the boxing 69 secured tothe supporting bracket, the slide being moved forwardly by a lever 70,'pivoted at 71 and connected by a pin 7 2 with The end of the lever is inthe vertical rock shaft 40.

The pawl slide is retracted by a spring 75 bearing on a head 76 of a rod77 fixed to the slide.

All three cams 42, 59 and 64 are 'carried by the rotary take-up ring 3.

A detent 78 engages a toothed wheel 79 on the shaft of the drum toprevent overthrow.

Means are provided foi-,cutting the yarn when raised out of work, this'involving a cutting blade 8O (Figs 5 and 7) 'pivoted `:1t-81 atthelower end of post 19 and cooperating witna fixed cutter blade 81 se;cured to said post'in any suitable way. The pivoted blade is held inopen position by a spring 82, the upper: end of which is fixed at 83 tothe hase of' the head or ring 18. The pivoted cutter blade is operatedby a rod 84 pivoted thereto at 85 and operated when the ring 22 isoperated. This rod is vmoved vertically by an arm 86 engaging therewithsaid arm being mounted on a rock shaft 87 journaled in bearings 88. Thisshaft is operated by an arm 89 which is lifted by a wedge or cam member90 car ried by a cross piece 91 which is connected to the ring 22 by thedepending posts 37, 37X. This cross piece, oi' course, moves with thering and thus vbrings its wedge under arm 89. n

This cutter is located at about the level of the knitting plane. In Eig.7, the dotted line` g/-yj indicates the Vupper lever of the knittinhead.

' The inactive yarns when cut are held by the yarn retaining finger 92,one for each feed,vthis retaining finger being pivoted at 93v to abracket .9i which `supports the loop, 95 across which the yarn rests andwithin which the retaining finger operates.

Thev means for automatically controllingT the cam a which effects thepressing of the needle beards is the same as that described in the saidapplication for preventing the fabric running olf from the needlewhenthe yarn is thrown out of feeding position.

-This means consists of a slide 12x operated by the cam 6 and l'iearingon an incline l2a of the .shank 12b of the presser cam a. The shank ispressed by. a spring 12d. parts are shown diagrami'naticallyV in Fig. 8.When the slide 12X is moved to the left in These v y Fig. 8 by the cam 6it will retract `the presser cam to where it will not press the needlebeards. lThis takes place When the cam 6 throws the yarn nnger to itsinoperative position of Fig. 8.'

The mechanism just described for controlling'the presser cam a is thesame as that .disclosed in ourrapplication above referred to.

'1. In combination in aknitting machine, knitting. instruments, aplurality of yarn fee-d, fingers, electro-magnets one for each feedfinger, armatures therefor, a support for4 said armatures havingtravelling movement, means for moving said support, connections leadingtothe yarnafeedfingers for controlling the'positions 'ofthe same, saidconnections being operated by the travel-. ling armatures, whenthe-latter are 1n al prescribed position relative to theirvelectroiiiagnets and pattern means forcontrolling the energizing of theelectro-magnets, substantially as described.

i 2. l In combination in a knitting machine,

- knitting instruments, a plurality .of yarn feed fingers,electro-magnets one for each feed finger, armatures therefor, a carrierfor said armatures, having a back and forth movement, means foroperating the armature carrier, Yconnections leading to the yarn feedfingers for controlling the positions of the'same, said connectionsbeing operated by the armatures travelling with the carrier When 'saidarmatures are in a prescribed position relative to their electromagnets,and pattern means for controlling the energizing of the electro-magnets,substantially as described.

3. ln combination in a `knitting machine, knitting instruments, aplurality of yarn -feed lingers, electro-magnets one for each feedfinger, armatures therefor, a carrier for said armatures having a backand forth movement, means for operating the armature carrier,connections leading to the yarn feed fingers for controlling thepositions of the same, said connections-being operated by the armaturesvtravelling with the carrier when said armatures are in a prescribedposition relative to their electron'iagnets, and pattern means forcontrolling the energizing of the electro-magnets, said armature carrierin performing its back' and forth movement turning about an axis,substantially as described.

4. In combination in a circular knitting machine, a plurality o'f yarnfeed fingers,

one at each feed, a head arranged coaxially with the knitting head,.movable carrier means turning about the. axis of the head,electro-magnets, armatures therefor mounted on the carrier andcontrolled by saidV mechanism for electro-magnets, pattern selectingwhich of the electro-magnetsv are to be energized, circuit connections,means for operating the carrier means, and connections leading tothefeed fingers and arranged to 'be operated lby the armatures movingwith the carrier, when said armatures are in a prescribed relation totheir electro-magnets, substantially as described.

`carrier to swing vertically to and from the electro-magnets, means forturning the car- BO rier, pattern means for selecting and energizing theelectro-magnets, and means operated by the movement of the armatureswith the carrier, when the armatures are in their elevated positions:under the` infiuence of the magnets said means rendering the feedseffective or ineffective, substantially as described.

6. In combination with a circular knitting machine having v a pluralityof feeds, an electro-magnet and armature for each feed, means 'forgiving travelling movement to the armatures independent of theirmovement towards -and from the magnets, pattern mechanism for selectingand energizing the electro-magnets in a prescribed order to attracttheir armatures, means for rendering the feeds effective or ineffective,operated by the armatures in their travelling movement, 'comprising starWheels to be operated by 1U" the armatures, cams operated by the starwheels, levers operated by the cams, and rods operated by the levers,substantially as described.

7 ln combination with a circular knitting 10rmachine having a pluralityof feeds, a rotatable member arranged coaxially with the knitting head,a reciprocating rod connected to said member for giving the sameoscillating movement about the axis of theknitting iin head, a series ofpivoted armatures carried by said rotatable member and movablevertically about their pivots, a series of electromagnets, one for eacharmature, arranged .about the axis of the rotatable member and im infixed positionpattern control means for 4energizing said electro-magnetsvin a prethe travelling movement ofsaid armatures with the rotatablemember, and connections leading 'from the star Wheels for rendering thefeeds effective or ineffective, substantially as described.

8. ln combination with a circular knitting machine havinga plurality offeeds, a movable' carrier,"a plurality of armatures pivot-/ allymountedon said carrier, means for oslc illatingthe carrier,electro-magnets for ele- A30 effective, substantially as described.

l9. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a pluralityoffeeds, a controlling mechanism arranged coaxiallyvwith the knittinghead, said controlling means.

comprising a mechanically operated, member,

electro-magnetic means at the controlling mechanism, connectionsextending from the controlling mechanism to render the several feedseffective orineffectire, said connections'A deriving their power fromthe power operated means of the controlling mechanism, and

rendered effective or ineffective by the elec-l tro-magnetlc means, andpattern mechanism for controlling the electromagnetic means inl aprescribed order, substantially as described.

"10. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a pluralityof feeds, a take-up rino' rotating with the rotaryy part of the knittinghead, a Vertical shaft, means carried by the rotary take-up ring foroperating the vertical shaft-,controlling means for the feedscomprising' a member operated from the said vertical shaft` connections'leading from the said controlling means to render the feeds effectiveor ineffective, elec tromagn`etic means .for connecting the said iconnections with the power operated vertical shaft of the controllingmechanism, and pattern controlled mea-ns4 forv `energizing the'electro-magnetic means, substantially as de scribed. l

11. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a pluralityof feeds,` connections rendering the same effective or ineffective, apower operated member at the axis of the knitting head, means foroperating the said connections from the said power operated member,electro-magnetic means for controlling the operation of said operatingmeans, a rotary take-up ring rotating with the rotary member of theknitting head, ay connection operated by the rotary take-up ring foroperating the power member of the.

controlling mechanism, pattern means for controlling theelectro-magnetic means, and circuit breaking means controlled by the rotation of the take-up ring, substantially as describedsy l l2. Incombination with a circular knitting` machine having-a plurality offeeds, controlling mechanism for rendering said `feeds effective orineffective'in a prescribed order, comprising a mechanically operatedmember and electro-magnetic means for rendering the same effective orineii'ective, a member rotating m unison with therotary y member of theknitting head, means on saidrotary member-'for actuating'tliemechanicall-y operated member of the controlling mechanism, circuitconnections leading tothe said electro-magnetic means, pattern meansoperated from said rotary member and in cluding circuit closers for thecircuits of the electro-magnetic means, and aL main circuit breaker withmeans on the said rotary1 mcmber for operating the same, substantiallyas described.

\ 13. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a pluralityof feeds, controlling mechanism for rendering said feeds effective orvineffective in'a prescribed order, comprising a mechanically operatedmember and electro-magnetic means for ren dering the same effective orineffective, a member rotating in unison with the rotary member of theknitting head, means on said rotary member for actuating themechanically operated member ofthe controlling mechanism, circuitconnections leading to` the said electro-magnetic means, pattern meansoperated from said rotary member and including circuit closers for thecircuits of the electro-magnetic means, and a main circuit breaker withmeans on the said ro- -Controlling mechanism` for rendering said feedseffective or ineffectivein a prescribed order, comprising a mechanicallyoperated member and electro-magnetic` means for rendering the sameeffective or ineffective, a member rotating in unison with therotarymember of the knitting head,'means on* said rotary member foractuating the mechanically operated member of the controlling mechanism`circuit connections leading to the said electro-magnetic means, patternmeans operated from said rotary member and including circuit closers forthe circuits of the electro-magnetic means, and aniain circuit breakerwith means on the said rotary member for operatingthe same, said rotarymember being the takeup ring. substantially as described. n

. l5. ln combination witlnacircular knitting "machine havingsa pluralityof feeds, controlling` mechanism for rendering said feeds effective orineffective ina prescribed order. comprising' a mechanically operatedmember and electro-magnetic'means for rendering the same effective vorineffective, a member rotating in unison with the `rotary member of theknitting head, means on said rotaryn'iember for actuating themechanically operated member of the controlling mechanism. circuitconnections leading 'to the said electro-magnetic means, patternmechanism including a drum, a series of circuit closing fingers, meanson the drum cooperatng with said circuit closing fingers for closing thecircuits to the electro-magnetic means, connections for operating thecircuit closing fingers from the rotary member and a main circuitbreaker operated from the rotary member, substantially as described.

16. In combination with al circular knitting machine havingv a pluralityof feeds, controlling mechanism for rendering the feeds effective orineffective in a prescribed order, comprising a mechanically operatedmember and electro-magnetic means for rendering the same effective orineffective, a member rotating in unison With the rotary member of theknitting head, means on said rotary member for actuatingthe mechanicallyoperated member of the con..- trolling mechanism, circuit leading to thesaid electro-magnetic means, pattern mechanism including a drum havingelectric conductivity, a perforated band passing over said drum, aseries of contact fingers to close the lcircuits to the electro-magneticmeans through the perforations of said band, means'operated by the saidrotary member for depressing all of the circuit closing fingers, meansoperated by the said rotary member for giving the drum a 'step by stepmovement and for actuating the said mechanically operated member of thecontrolling mechanism, a main circuit breaker and means for operatingthe same fromA the rotary member,

substantially as described.

17. In combination with a circular knitting machine, having a pluralityof feeds, controlling means therefor including mechanically operatingconnections and electro-magnetic selective means, 'a rotary take-up ringmoving in unison with the knitting head, and means carried thereby foractuating the mechanically operating connections and controlling theelectromagnetic selective means, substantially as described. e

18. In combinationV with a circular knitting machine, having a pluralityof feeds. controlling means therefor for rendering them effective erineffective for-knitting in a prescribed order, said controlling meansincluding mechanically operated connections and electro-magneticselective means, electric circuits to said electro-magnetic means, onefor each feed, a plurality of circuit closers, for closing the circuitsto the electro-magnetic means in a prescribed order to select theconnections which are to be operated for controlling the feeds, and

connectionsmeans carried by a rotary member of the machine forcontrollin0r the operation of the circuit closers anc the mechanicallyoperated connections, substantially as described. Y,

19. In combination with a circular knitting machine having a pluralityof feeds, controlling mechanism therefor to render them effective orineffective inV a prescribed order-,a rotary take-.up plate, a camthereon, connections actuated by the cam for operating a part of saidcontrolling mechanism, power transmitting connections leading to thefeeds, said controlling mechanism including' electro-magnetic selectiveelements for connecting in a prescribed order the-transmittingconnections With the said cam voperated connections, pattern means forenergizing the selective elements in a prescribed order and a cam on therotary take-up plate With connections therefrom for operating thepattern means, substantially as described.

20. In combination with a circular knitting machine, having a pluralityof yarn feed lingers, aconneetion for each yarn feed finger forcontrolling the same, controlling means for said connections includinglmechanical power operated driving means, and electro-magnetic selectiveelements for selecting in a prescribed order the yarn linger conne:tions which .are to be operated by said driving means, and patternymeans for energizing. the electro-magnetic selective elements in aprescribed order, substantially as described.

2l. In combination With a circular knitting vmachine having a pluralityof feeds. a controlling connection .for each feed, electro-magneticselective elements, pattern mechanism for determining the order in whichthe selective electro-magnetic elements Will be set for operating thesaid controlling connections, a rock shaft, a rotary take-up plate, acam thereon for operatingI the rock shaft, means for operating thepattern mechanism from the rock shaft, and a connection from the` rockshaft for giving the selective elements a travelling movement to actuatethe selected yarn finger connections. p

22. In .combination with a circular knifting machine, having a pluralityof feeds. a controlling connection for each feed. clertro-magneticselective elements. pattern -meclianism for determining the order inwhich the selective electro-magnetic element will be. set for operatingthe said controllingl connections, a rock shaft. a rotary take-up plate,'a earn thereon for operating the rock shaft. means for operating thepattern mechanism from the rock shaft, and a connection from the rockshaft for giving the selective elements a travelling movement to'actuate the seleetedffeed controlling conlill) i nections, said patternmechanism includingv circuit closers for closing the circuits to theelectro-magnetic selective means and a cam on the take-up platefor`controlling said circuit closers, substantially as described.

23. In combination with a circular knitting machinetliavinga pluralityof yarn feeds, a controlling, connection for each feed, electro-magneticselective elements, pattern mechanism` for determining the order inwhich the selective electro-magnetic elements will beset for operatingthe said controlling connections, a rock shaft, a rotary take-up plate,a cam thereon for operatingl the rock shaft, means for operating thepattern mechanism from the rock shaft, and a connection from the rockshaft for giving the selective elements a travelling movement to actuatethe selected feed controlling connections, said patternA mechanismincluding circuit closers for closing the circuits to theelectro-magnetic selective means and a cam on the take-up plate forcontrolling said circuit close'rs, a main circuit breaker and a cam onthe takeup` plate for Vcontrolling the main circuit breaker,substantially as described.

24. In combination in a circular knitting machine, having a plurality ofyarn feeds, star Wheels With connections between the same and the feeds,Contact means travelling with the rotary member of the knitting head foroperating said star Wheels, means for adjusting said star Wheels tobring different arms thereof into the plane. of movement `ofthe contactmeans, said adjusting Vmeans comprising a member arranged coaxially withthe. knitting head, armatures pivotally mounted on said member, meansfor giving said member a travelling movement, electro-magnets, means forselectively energizing said electro-magnets to raise the armatures in aprescribed orderand connections operated by travellingl movement of thearmatures when raised for changing the position yof the star Wheels,substantially as described. l

In combination in a circular knitting machine, having a plurality offeeds, star Wheels with connections between the same and the feeds,contact means travelling with the rotary member of the knitting head foroperating said star Wheels, means for adjusting said star wheels tobringdiffercnt arms thereof into theplane of movement of the contactmeans, said adjusting means comprising a 'member' arranged coax'iallywith the knitted head, armatures pivotally mounted on said member, meansfor giving said member a travellingmovement, electromagnets, means forselectively energizing said electro-magnets to raise the armatures in a!4prescribed orden and connections operated by the-travelling movement ofthe armatures whenv raised for changing the posi-tion ofthe star wheels,said last mentioned connections including a -star wheel operated bycontact of the armatures therewith, substantially as described.

2G.' In combination in a circular knitting machine. having a pluralityof feeds. a controlling mechanism arranged coaxially with the knittinghead. and including a back and forth moving member, armatures pivotallymounted thereon` electro-nmgnets for elevating` the armatures,connections operated by the armatures for controlling the feeds, a varncutter for severing the yarn when raised out of work and means foroperating said yarn cutter from the back and forth moving member,substantially as described.

27. In combination in a circular knitting machine, having a plurality offeeds, controllingm'echanism for the feeds including an oscillatingmember and electro-magnetic selective means with connections therefromto the feedsa vertical post supporting said controlling mechanism. ayarn cutter sup` ported on said post, and meansfor operating said `yarncutter from the oscillating for aut miatieall)v preienting thc work fromA running off from the needles when the yarn `feed lfingers are thrownout of4 operation,

all the needles. in passing an idle feed. simply holding their oldloops.

29. In combination in a circular knitting machine needles. a pluralityof feeds disposed at separated points about the same. including yarnfeed fingers to be thrown into and out of working position, selectormechanism disposed above and lcoaxially with the knitting machine, andcomprising" selecting devices` one for each-feed linger.v connections.one for each selecting device to be operated or not operated b v saiddevice according to the position of the latter and extending therefromto thedvaru feed finger it isrto bperate. pattern meclianism controllingthel .setting of the selecting devices in selecting punition` andpou/'er operated connections for-moving the selecting devices -to drivethe select-ed connections leading to the Ifeed fingers, eachof saidfeeds also including means for preventing the ivorlmfrom running oft'from the needles. when the yarn feedhngers are thrown out andy operatingpoints about Ithe same, and each including a movable yarn feed ,fingerto be set in or out of working position, pattern mechanism,

selecting devices controlled by the said pat-V tern. mechanism to change.theposition of the yarn feed ingers,`to knit or not to knit,

-a carrier for the selecting devices having y when the yarn feed fingersare thrown out` travelling movement, means for driving the said carrier,and connections leading to the several feed fingersfroiii the selectingdevices to change the position thereof, said connections being operableby the travelling Y selecting devices when the latter are set inselecting positionby the pattern mechanisni, but remaining idle when theselecting devices are not so set, each feed also :including means forautomatically preventing the work from running off from the needles whenthe yarn feed lingers are thrown out of operative position all the saidneedles, in

passing an idle feed, then holding their old loops.

31, In combination in a knitting machine, a plurality of feeds disposedat separate points aboutthe same, and each including a movable yarn feedfinger to be set in or out of working position,4 pattern mechanism,selecting devices controlled by the saidpattern mechanism to change theposition of the yarn feed fingers,v to knit or not to knit,

a carrier for the. selecting devices having travelling movement, meansfor driving the Isaid carrier, and connections 'leading to the severalfeed fingers from the selectingdevices to change the position thereof,said connections being operable by the traveling lselecting devices whenthe latter are setin selecting position by the pattern mechanism, butremaining idle when the selecting devices are not so set, each feed alsoincluding means for automatically preventing the work from running offfrom the needles of operative position, said traveling movement of thecarrier being reciprocatory, all the said needles, in passing an idlefeed, then holding their old loops substantially as described.

v32.. In combination in "a knitting machine, a plurality offeedsdisposed at separate points about tlielsame, and each including amovable yarn feed linger to be set in or outiof working position,pattern mechanism, selecting devices controlled by the said patternmechanism to change ythe position of the yarn feed fingers, to knit ornot to knit, a carrier for the selecting devices having travellingniovement, means for driving the said carrier, and connections leadingto the several feed fingers from the selecting deviceA to changetheposition thereof, saidconiiections being operable by the travellingselecting devices when the latter are set in selecting position by thepattern mechanism. but remaining idle when the selecting devices are notso set, each feed also including means for automatically preventing thework from running 'off from the needles when the yarn feed lingers arethrown out of operative position, said travelling movement beingoscillatory about the axis of the knitting head all the said needles, inpassing an idle feed then holding their old loops.

33. In combination-in a circular knitting -machine, a plurality offeedseach'including a-yar'n feed finger to be set in or out of workingposition, a plurality of selecting devices each comprising a memberpivotally mountedto move in a vertical plane,

"a carrier for the selecting devices, means for moving the carrier,pattern mechanism, means controlled thereby'for setting the selectingdevices in prescribed positions, and connections operated by theselecting devices when setv in selecting position and moved' by thecarrier for controlling the positions of the yarn feed fingers, each ofsaid feeds also including means'for causing all the needles, in passingan idle feed, to hold their old loops and thus preventing the work fromrunning ofi' when the yarn feed finger is thrown out of feedingposition.

34. In combination in a circular knitting machine a plurality of feedseachincluding a yarn feed finger to be setin or out of working'position,a plurality of selecting devices each comprising a member pivotallymounted to move in a vertical plane, a carrier for the selectingdevices, means for moving the carrier, pattern mechanism, meanscontrolledtliereby for setting the selecting devices in prescribedpositions, and connections operated by the selecting devices when set inselecting position and moved by the carrier for controlling thepositions of the yarn feed fingers. each feed includin'g means forpreventing the work from running off when the yarn -feed finger isthrown out of feeding position, said carprescribed order, andconnections extending ico a shiftable yarn'feed finger at each feedadapted tobe thrown into and 4out of Work, a rotatable carr1er memberarranged coaxially of the knitting head, a reciproca-ting rod connectedto said member for giving the same oscillating movement about the axisof the knitting head, a series of selecting vdevices mounted on thecarrier and movable vertically, means including pattern mechanism formovingthe selectingmembers vertically in a prescribed order, star Wheelsarranged to be contacted by the selecting devicesin their travellingmovement when the latter are in their selecting positions andconnections leading from the star Wheels for controlling the yarn `feedfingers at the feeds, each feedl including means for preventing the Workfrom runningoif the needles when a yarn feed finger is Withdrawn,substantially4 as describe-d.

37.In combination in' a knitting machine, knitting instruments, aIplurality of y feeds, electro-magnets, one for each feed,

Ving

armatures therefor, a Vsupport for said armatures having travellingmovement, means for moving said support, means for rendering the feedseffective or ineffective, operated by the travelling armatures when thelatter arc in a prescribed position relative vto their electro-magnets,and pattern mechanism for controlling Vthe energizing of theelectro-magnets, substantially as described.

38. In combination in a knitting machine, knitting instruments,aplurality of feeds, electro-magnets, one for each feed, armaturestherefor, a support for said armatures having travelling movement, meansfor moving said support, means for rendering the feeds effective orineffective, operated by the travelling armatures When the latter `areinHV a prescribed position relative to their electro-magnets, andpattern mechanism for controllingthe energizing ofthe electro-magnets,said armature support. having a bac-k and forth movement.

In combination in a knitting machine, knitting instruments, a pluralityot feeds, electro-magnets, one for' each feed, armatures therefor, asupport for -said armatures haimfi-ng 4travelling movement, means formoving said support, meansfor renderthe feeds effective or` ineffective,

operated'by the travelling armatures When the latter are in a prescribedposition relative to their electro-magnets, and pattern mechanism forcontrolling the energizing ot the electro-magnets, said armature supporthaving back and forth turning movement about an anis.v

40. In combination in a. knitting machine, knitting instrumentsgaplurality of feeds, electro-magnets, one for each feed, armaturestherefor, a support for said armatures having trayyelling movement,means for moving said support, means for rendering the feeds eective orinetfective, operated by the travelling armatures when the latter are ina prescribed position relative to their electromagnets, and patternmechanism for e011-,

trolling .the Aenergizing of the electromagnets, 4said armature supportbeing arranged abo-ve and coaxially with the knit-` ting head and havingoscillating movement about the axis of said head.

4l. In combination in a circular knitting machine having a pluralityoffeeds disposed at separated points about the saine, a connection foreach 'feed to render the same effecfor-said connections includingmechanical power operated driving means, and electromagnetic sclectiveelements for selecting in a prescribed order the feeds which are to be.rendered effective, or ineffective by said driving means, and patternmechanism for energizing the electro-magnetic selective elements in aprescribed order.

K 42. In combination in a circular knitting machine, a supportoscillating about the axis of the machine, armatures carried thereby,electro-magnets for controlling the position of the armatures, patternmechanism 4for controlling the energizing of the armatures in aprescribed order, and connections` operated by the armatures when in acertain position relative to their electro-magnets for controllingchanges in the Work produced.

43. In combination in acircular knitting lli) machine, a carrier, powermeans for giving i movement thereto, armatures movably mounted on thecarrier electro-magnets for controlling the positions of the armatures,pattern mechanism for controlling the energizing of the electi-o-magnetsin a prescribed order, and connections operated by the armatures when inacci-tain position relative to their electro-magnets for controllingchanges in the` work produced, sub- .v stantially as described.

44e. In combination in a` circular knitting machine, a plurality offeeds disposed' at separated points about the knitting head with meansat. each feed to be adjusted for rendering said feed' active orinactive, operating connections leading' tol each of said means, amechanical power operated memlit) ber common to all of said connections,de-

` vices carried thereby to transmit movement to said connections whenset to contact therewith, electro-magnets for setting said devices incontacting position, ,and 'pattern mechanism controlling the energizingof said electro-magnets.

45.. I-n combination in a circular knitting machine, a plurality offeeds disposed at separated points about the same," and each including amovable yarn finger for moving the yarn to and from-the needles, and acam acting on the needles and adjustable to make the needles hold theirold loops, in passing the feed, connections extending towards the centerof the machine for operating the yarn fingers and adjusting the jcams,hit and miss members at the inner ends of said connections, one of whichhas travelling movement, for operating said connections, and patternmechanism for selecting .which connection will be operated and forrelatively adjusting the hit and miss members of theselected connectionto operate the same. p

46. In combination in a circular knitting machine, a plurality of feedsdisposed at separated points about the same` and each including amovable yarn finger for moving the yarn to and from the needles, and acani acting on the needles and adjustable to make' the needles holdtheir old loops, in

passing the feed, connections extending to- Wards the center of themachine for operating the yarn fingers and adjusting the cams, anoscillating carrier, members movably mounted thereon to at times contactwith and operate said connections, and at other times tomiss them, andpattern mechanism for adjusting the said members in a prescribed orderinto line with said connections for operating the same, substantially asdescribed.

l 47. In combination With a circular knitting machine, needles, aplurality of feeds spaced apart around the machine, 'including a yarnlinger at each feed movable up- Wardly from its yarn feeding position tofloat'the yarn to the interior of the machine, yarn retaining means ateach feed arranged .on the inside of the needle row to receive the yarnwhen floated to the interior of the machine, a needle beard presser'camat each feed, mechanism for rendering the feeds idle by raising the yarnfeed fingers and adj usting the presser cams, including a back and forth'moving carrier having contact devicesthereon, and connections operatedby said contact devices leading to the yarn feed fingers and cams,pat-tern mechanism for setting the contact devices to hit or miss

